Machine for and method of producing joints or traffic lines in concrete



J. N. HELTZEL MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFICLINES IN CONCRETE a Sheets-Shet 1 Original Filed April 21, 1925 Feb. 13,1934. J, N HELTZEL momma FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFICLINES IN CONCRETE '8 Shets-Sheet 2 Original Filed April 21, 1925gnuwntoc 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 J. N. HELTZEL Original Filed April 21 1925Feb. 13, 1934.

MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS 0R TRAFFIC mums IN CONCRETEJ. N. HELTZEL MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFICLINES IN CONCRETE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed April 21 1925 Feb. 13,1934 J. N. HELTZEL MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFICLINES IN CONCRETE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed'April 21 1925 1934- J.N. HELTZEL, MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFIC L'mnsIN CONCRETE hm m 2 Original Filed April 21. 1925 Feb. 13, 1934. J. N.HELTZEL 1,945,972

MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFIC LINES IN CONCRETEOriginal Filed April 21, 1925- 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 J. N. HELTZEL Feb 13,1934.

MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS CR TRAFFIC LINES IN CONCRETE'8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed April 21 Patented Feb. 13, 1934 iPATENT FICE 1,946,972 mom non AND METHOD or monoc- ING JOINTS ORCONCRETE TRAFFIC LINES IN John N. Heltzel, Warren, Ohio ApplicationApril 21, 1925, Serial No. 24,801

Renewed-May 28, 1930 53 Claims.

The present invention relates to the production of joints and trafliclines in concrete roads and similar surfacing structures, and aims toprovide a novel and improved method of and means for producing orinstalling in the road or structure, after the concrete has been pouredand while it is still plastic, a joint or tramc line,

' or a combined joint and traflic line.

Another object is the provision of such means which is operable by amovement in the plastic concrete to provide for a rapid cutting of theplastic concrete, separating the stone or other coarse aggregate alongthe line of a joint or trafiic line to facilitate the installing ofjoint material. A further object is the provision of means oi the kindindicated which will enable joints of various cross-sections to beproduced or installed, according to diilerent requirements, and whichmay also be used for joint material thatis premolded, solid,'plastic orsemi-liquid or removable steel joint plates.

A still further object is the provision of joint installing or producingmeans including a tool or plate movable in the plastic concrete to sep-V arate the stones along the line of joint, creating a longitudinal veinof mortar to receive joint material therein and means for surfacing orsmoothing the plastic concrete over the out or surfacing or smoothingover joint material after it has been deposited in the vein of mortar.

It is to be understood that the various depositors and bladeshereinafter described may be used for producing joints withoutdepositing joint material or strips, also that the various blades ordepositors may be drawn through the plastic concrete one-or more timeswith the transverse surfacer surfacing over the line of the jointprogressively as the machine moves forward to produce a cleft orseparation in the material,

after which a joint strip may or may not be installed.

A steel strip or layer of-premolded, solid, plastic or semi-liquidmaterial, of any suitable crosssection, is discharged into the joint inorder to divide the road and cause the same to break or crack along theline of the material deposited in the concrete, when the breaking orfracturing occurs after the concrete has hardened.

It is also an object of the invention to provide 0 a. joint or tramcline which is accurate, and which will eliminate the irregular breakingor cracking of the concrete, such as due to the natural fracturing ofthe concrete, or by theuse oi division plates or strips placed on thesub-base for that purpose and over which the concrete is (or. ill-=45)poured. Such division plates or strips are costkv to install and are,practically impossible to maintain in proper line, so that the breaksare irregular and unsightly, as well as being conducive to the chippingofi oi the concrete along the cracks. 0 With the present invention thebreak extends along a regular and accurate line, so as to divide theroad neatly into slabs and provide for other advantages.

- The present improvements may be used for both longitudinal andtransverse joints in the road.

Still anotherobject is the provision of a. novel and improved machineembodying the improvements and having novel provisions to facilitate 7the installing or producing of the joint or trafilc line.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will be apparent asthe description proceeds, the invention resides in the construction andarrangement of parts as hereinafter described and claimed, it beingunderstood that changes can be made within the scope of what is claimed,without departing from the spirit of the invention. g 0

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein-Figure 1 is a plan view of a machine embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the machine showing the longitudinal jointdevice in operative position and the transverse joint means ininoperative position.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section on the line 3-3 of Fig. lflshowing' thelongitudinal joint means in inoperative position and the transversejoint means in operative position.

Figs. 4 and 5 are cross sections on the respective lines 4-4 and 55 ofFig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical section on the line 6--6 of Fig.l'showing the use of plastic or semi liquid material for thelongitudinal joint.

Fig. 'l'is an enlarged vertical section on the line 7-7 of Fig. 3. r v

Fig. Sis a cross section of the joint produced by either thelongitudinal or transverse joint means.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a modified form of chute to accommodatepremolded strips which are coupled together to be deposited in the conrFig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of said chute. i

Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross section on the line 11-11 of Fig. 9.

F g. 12 is a side elevation corresponding to ends formed to interlockfor the purpose of trailing a train of these strips longitudinally ofthemselves through the plastic concrete and so arranged to disconnectthe strips for removal from. the plastic concrete.

Figs. 13 to 1'7, inclusive, are cross sections showing different formsof joints that may be produced.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the rear end of the machine, withmodifications, and showing the use of a finishing float to reciprocatetransversely over the cleft or joint material to smooth the concrete.

Fig. 19 is a rear end view of the structure shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an adjustable mounting forthe chute and means for supplying plastic or semi-liquid material underpressure.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of-a modified form of device for holding astrip and discharging. it into the concrete.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary plan view showing a modification of the deviceillustrated in Fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a modified form of depositor fordischarging plastic or semi-liquid material at opposite sides;

Fig. 24is a perspective view illustrating a further modification.

Figs. 25 and 26 are side elevations of devices for supplying plastic orsemi-liquid material under pressure to the depositor.

The machine hereinafter described operates on a roadway rearwardly ofthe hand screeding operation or rearwardly of the mechanically screedingmachine, both of which are well known in the art. The mechanicalscreeding machine, however, is very generally used, and as explained,this machine follows in close proximity rearwardly of the screedingoperations to cleave the concrete. longitudinally in the center of theroad prior to the installation of joint material in the cleavage. Thetransverse surfacer is mechanically operated to reciprocate transverselyover the surface of the roadway, which eliminates the hand method andimproves the quality of the work. A transverse joint cutting andinstalling apparatus operates in combination with a longitudinal jointcutting and I installing apparatus, both of which operate in combinationwith the smoothing or floating device carried and actuated by themachine as hereinafter will be fully described.

The machine comprises a carriage or bridge to travel over the cQncreteand said carriage is composed of a suitable frame 30 to span or bridgethe road and mounted on wheels 31 that travel on the side forms or rails32 which define the side edges of the road, the concrete being pouredbetween said rails as described. The wheels 31 are mounted on shorttransverse axles 33 secured to the frame 30 and extending transverselyabove the rails 32, thereby permitting the wheels to be adjustedtransversely to accommodate the machine for roads of: different widths.The wheels at one side may be fixed on the axles against transverseadjustment by means of collars 34, while the wheels at the other sideare slicable transversely to accommodate variations in the spacing ofthe rails, such as when negotiating curves in the road where the road isusual-. 1y made wider. The wheelshave double flanges to overlap theinner and outer sides of the rails so as to prevent the wheels movingtransversely oh the rails. The inside plate flanges of the wheels mayproject a convenient distance into the plastic concrete to operate alongthe inside 5 Fig. 9 showing the use of steel strips having their face ofside forms to spade or edge the concrete along the side forms.

The longitudinal joint means or device is located intermediate theopposite sides of the frame 30 and comprises a chute or blade 35 whichslopes rearwardly to permit the finishing of the surface of the concreteunder the forward portion of the joint means, as well as along the sidesof the joint means when in operative position, with the forward endthereof spaced above the concrete, and its rear end portion workingwithin the concrete and terminating in a depositor 36. A float or trowel3'? is secured onthe depositor 36 to slide over the surface of theconcrete at the opposite sides of the depositor and smooth down thesurface of the concrete along the opposite edges of the joint, as wellas to support the depositor properly in the concrete. The chute 35 hasspaced flat vertical side walls located close together, with a spacebetween them preferably open at the upper edge to receive andaccommodate a strip 38 that is deposited in the concrete to produce thejoint. The chute or blade provides a-slotted joint aligning ordepositing member which is movable longitudinally of itself from thejoint strip, and said blade or member. supports the strip as it emergesand deposits the strip in true alignment. Said strip may be of paper,rubber, metal, composition or other suitable material,-

and may be of different thicknesses for various requirements, and, asshown in Figs. 1 and 5,

the strip 8 is supplied in a roll on a spool or reel 39 mounted in theframe 30 at one side of the forward end of the chute 38. A roller 40 iscarr-ied by the front end of the chute for guiding the strip 38 from theroll into the forward end of the chute to pass rearwardly through thechute as the machine moves forwardly in depositing the strip into theconcrete. The forward end of the chute ispivoted, as at 41, to the framein order to permit the rear end of the chute and the depositor 36 to beraised and lowered out of and into the concrete. I

The depositor 36 is raised and lowered by means of an adjusting screw 42screw-threaded in the frame above the float 37. A link 43 connects thelower end of the screw 42 and the float 37, there being a pivot andswivel connection 44 between the link and screw, and said link has a pinand slot'connection 45 with the float 37, permitting slight verticalvibration of the float relatively to said link. By adjusting the screwupwardly and downwardly it will raise and lower the float 3'1 anddepositor 36.

A roller 46 or other suitable device is carried by the float 37 beyondthe forward edge of the float and is disposed across the upper edges ofthe chute or blade 35 to hold the strip down in the chute where itpasses below the float 37. The

roller 46 will also roll or depress the concrete on both sides of theblade or joint strip. As the machine advances', the rolling down of theconcrete will solidify or compactthe concrete and bring it down levelwith the surface of the road. The desired pressure may be appliedaccording to the density of the concrete. The roller or finishing member46 may be used with or without the float, and the fioat may also be usedwith or without the roller, both the roller and float serving to finishthe surface of the concrete along the joint. The roller will compact ordepress the concrete along the installing blade progressively as themachine advances forward, rolling the con-' crete down flush withmachine, to facilitate the depositing of the The float 37 and depositor36 are given a.

slight vertical vibration, in the operation of t terial in the concrete,the movement of the depositor forwardly in the concrete, and the tampingof the concrete by the float 37. Thusva plunger rod 4'7 is slidablevertically in the frame with its lower end adapted to bear on the float37, and a coiled spring 48 surrounds the rod and is confined between theframe and an adjustable collar 49 on the rod to force the rod downwardlywith a'sharp motion. The upper end of the rod carries a roller 50disposed over a cam 51 mount-' ed in the frame, whereby the rotationofsaid cam will raise the roller 50 and rod 47 and then release theroller so that the spring48 forces the rod downwardly with a quickmotion against the float 37. The rod 47 is vibrated with a rapid motionso as to jar or vibrate the depositor 36 and float 3'I vertically. Thiswill facilitate the discharge of the strip or material from thedepositor, and in vibrating the depositor it will also pass forwardly inthe concrete more easily, so as to reduce the amount of draft requiredto propel the machine. Also, the float 37 being vibrated over theconcrete will have a tamping action to tamp and smooth down the surfaceof the concrete along the opposite sides of the joint.

As shown, the cam 51 is connected by a ,sprocket chain 52 withlongitudinal power shaft 53 carried by the frame 30 stone side, saidshaft 53 being driven by an engine or other prime mover 54, for forwardand backward movement and a clutch 55 being preferably provided forconnecting the cam 51 with and disconnecting it from the shaft 53. When,the float37 is raised by the screw 52, the rod 47 will be raised withthe float against the influence of the spring 48, thereby lifting theroller 50 away from the cam 51, as seen in Fig. 3.

A cleaving implement 56 is-slidably mounted in the frame in front of thechute 35 and in the longitudinal line of the dcpositor 36, saidimplementbeing connected at its upper end with'an eccentric 57' similarto the eccentric 57' shown in Fig. 7, whereby the implement isreciprocated, vertically. The eccentric 57 is connected by a sprocketchain 58 with the power shaft 53, a clutch 59 being provided on saidshaft to make and break the connection. The implement 56 beingreciprocated is forced down into and retracted from the concrete,thereby pushing down and deflecting to opposite sides any stones,pebbles and other solid particles in the line of the joint. This clearsthe path for the depositor, by removing from the line of movementthereof the stones and other solid objects, allowing the mortar to flowor slump into the cleft when the implement withdraws and advances forthe successive stroke, and enabling the depositor to move forwardly inthe concrete without encountering obstructions. The implement 56 mayhave shoulders 60 at opposite sides to come into contact with thesurface of the concrete for tamping down the concrete ,at-the oppositesides of the cut made in the concrete by the implement. The machine ismoved longitudinally over the roadway one or more times, depending onthe plastic condition of the concrete, it being under stood that thismachine follows rearwardly of the regular screeding machine well knownin the art and this machine cuts the longitudinal'groove and is equippedto do the necessary floating and the installing of joint material; thetransverse float member 94 reciprocates over the surface of the roadwayprogressively as the machine moves forward with the cleaving implement56 operating in the plastic concrete and the longitudinal blade or jointdepositor' may be trailed longitudinally of itself in the cleft as themachine moves forward to cause afurther separation of the coarseaggregate and to smooth the vertical'walls of the cleft to avoidhoneycombing before the installation'of the joint strip; as heretoforedescribed, it is understood that the cleaving and smoothing operationsmay be performed a number of times to produce the required results. Whenit is-desired to produce an open longitudinal joint, the blade may bedrawn through the plastic concrete the required number of times with thefloat 94 reciprocating over the cleavage;

in the last passing of the blade in the concrete,

the float 94 is raised from the surface so as toroduce a clean openjoint. It has been found practical in concrete base courses ofbituminous surface or so-called black top roads to create a longitudinalplane of weakness by producing a cleavage line longitudinally of theroadway by separating the stones and coarse aggregate, producing alongitudinal vein of mortar-and finishing over the surface of theroadway without inserting a joint strip to induce the road to cracklongitudinally along the weakened plane thus created. However,. if ajoint strip is to be inserted in the cleavage, then the surfacing memheris permitted to reciprocate transversely over the surface of theconcrete and over the joint strip to smooth the plastic concreteadjacent to the strip progressively as the stripemerges from theinstalling blade or depositor; the depositor supports the strip in. avertical position and to the proper elevation as it emergesfrom thedepositing, and while held in this position, the surfacer reciprocatestransversely over the joint strip while it is; being held in a verticalposition and to the proper elevation and smooths the concrete adjacentto and over the joint strip, which is in tension as the machine movesprogressively forward and the various operations are simultaneouslyperformed. When the re--;

of a length of from 5' to 10 for the convenience of handling andinstalling. These short lengths of strip are only used when a thickerjoint strip is being installed as it would be impracticable to furnishthick strips ,4 or in large rolls. It is to be understood that when themachine is reversed or backed up for a successive forward operation, theinstalling blade or depositor is raised from contact with the plasticconcrete. The cleaving member 56, however, may remain in operatingposition in the concrete at all times and may operate in the plasticconcrete both during the forward and rearward movement of the machine.

The machine as described up to this point is complete for. thedepositing in the concrete of the strip 38, the operation being simpleand rapid. Thus, with the depositor 36 in the concrete and the float 3'?bearing on the concrete, the machine positor 36 to the concrete, withthe upper edge of the strip flush with or slightly below the surface 'ofthe concrete. The implement 56 prepared the way for the depositor, bydepressing and deflecting Thus, as the machine moves forwardly the stripsection is gradually changed where the chute deformed, cross-section, asat 61.

is deposited in the concrete in rear of the depositor 36. Said depositorserves as a plow moving in the plastic concrete to open up a furrow orincision in which the strip is deposited, said strip passing out orbeing discharged from the .depositor or blade 36 that opens up theconcrete.

The machine in travelling on the side rails or forms will result in thestrip being deposited in the concrete parallel with one sideedge of theroad, thereby providing an accurate joint. The present machine followsclosely behind the machine or devices which are used to finish thesurface of the concrete. Thus, the concrete is poured from the concretemixer on the sub-base between the side rails and'is then struck-off,tamped, floated, rolled and otherwise surfaced arid finished, and thepresent machine follows the finishing of the surface of the concrete todepositthe strip or joint neatly in the concrete.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, the depositor 36 has its lower portion ofcurved cross-section, so that the lower portion of the strip 38 will beof curved, The strip is flat in moving down the chute. 38 and thecrossmerges into the depositor, so as to bend or fold the striptransversely as it enters and passes throughthe depositor. The strip maytherefore be bent or deformed into different cross-sections, accordingto the cross-sectional-form of the depositor. By the provision of thedeformed portion 61 of the strip 38, when deposited in the concrete, theslabs at the opposite sides of the strip or joint will have a tongue andgroove interlocking them against relative vertical displacement, and

providing a hinge joint to permit the slabs to flex upwardly anddownwardly. "After the concrete has hardened it will ultimately break orcrack along the strip 38, and between the lower edge of said strip andthe sub-base, as shown in Fig. 8. In this manner, the fracture or breakextends along the line of the strip or joint, instead of along anirregular line. The float or trowel 3'? may also round off the edges ofthe concrete at the opposite sides of the strip 38, or such edging maybe done by hand in rear of the depositor, so as to reduce to a minimumthe possibility of the concrete chipping off along the joint.

In lieu of the strip or solid material 38 there can be deposited in theconcrete plastic or semiliquid material, the float 37 having an openingor inlet 62 for delivering the material downwardly into the depositor 36to discharge from the rear end of the depositor. To prevent the materialpassing forwardly in the depositor, a filler 63 of any suitable kind isinserted in the depositor in front of the opening 62, and directs themate-.

rial rearwardly. The material is contained in a tank or reservoir 64carried by the frame adjacent to the rear end of the depositor 36, and ahose or other flexible connection 65 leads from v the tank 64 to theopening 62. The material may hereinafter.

When using the plastic or semi-liquid material instead of the strip 38,the operation is substantially the same, the depositor 36 movingforwardly in the plastic concrete, and as it moves forwardly thematerial is discharged through therear end of the depositor, therebyforming the joint of substantially the same construction as that formedby the strip, providing the plastic material is of a semi-plasticconsistency as shown in Fig. 8. Tar, asphalt, heavy oil, and othersimilar plastic or semi-liquid materials may be used. By using a lightoil or a liquid emulsion, a plane of weakness or separation may becreated in the plastic concrete; the tubular depositor passing throughthe plastic material will separate the coarse stone and eject the liquidjoint material from the rear of the depositor, and immediately in therear of the depositor, the stone will slump back more or less inoriginal overlapping position, provided the concrete is in a veryplastic state; the oil or emulsified solution will have coated thematerials so as to prevent a bond or the re-uniting of the materialalong an irregular cleavage plane but substantially in a straightlongitudinal-line so that by refioating the surface of the concrete itwill agitate the stones and tend to rearrange the'stones'in anoverlapping condition so that they will assume more or less theiroriginal position, which will serve to. produce an-interlocking elementfor the entire thickness of the slab, at the same time producing acleavage line substantially longitudinally of the roadway. The materialmay be such as to become hard or semi-hard, or may be such as to remainsemi-plastic to serve as a seal for the crack orbreak between theopposite sections or slabs of concrete.

The machine may be propelled by power. As shown, a transverse shaft 68is mounted in the frame at the rear end thereof and is geared, as at 69,to the power shaft 53, a clutch 70 being provided for opening andclosing the connection to stop and start the movement of the machine onthe rails 32. Sprocket chains 71 connect the shaft 68 and rear wheels 31and are slidable transversely with said rear wheels, sprocket wheels 72being feathered or splined on the shaft 68, and bars '73 being slidablymounted on the axles 33 and shaft 68 to move each sprocket chain '71transversely as a unit with the corresponding wheel 31.

Longitudinal platforms or running boards '74 are mounted in the frame atthe opposite sides of 40 the chute 35 and float 37 to support workmen.

The machine is also equipped with means for producing or installingtransverse joints, and said means includes a secondary carriage mountedon the main carriage for transverse movement across the road. Thesecondary carriage 75 has wheels or rollers '76 movable along transverserails or guides '77 with which the main framev 30 is provided, and thetransverse joint cutting means or device is carried by the carriage Z5and, in gen- Bit -- J'oint of the desired cross-section. The

eral respects, involves the same principles as the longitudinal jointmeans or device. The depositor 36' comprises the lower flattenedterminal per-- tion of a vertical tube or chute 35',-said depositor 36'being, of suitable form to produce a joint of the desired cross-section(the same as the depositor 36 as shown in, Figs. 3 and 4) The rear edgeof the depositor 36 is open for the discharge of the plastic orsemi-liquid material which flows down through the tube 35'. The tube 35'extends through a vertical tubular adjusting screw 42 that isscrew-threaded within the bottom portion of the frame or carriage 75,and collars 78 are secured on the tube above and below the screw so thatthe depositor moves up and down with said screw. The screw has a handwheel 79 at its upper end for rotating the screw to raise and lower thedepositor. A tank or reservoir 64' for the material is mounted on thecarriage 75 and a hose or flexible connection 65' leads from the tank tothe upper end of thetube 35', and a pis-. ton or follower 66 operated bya screw or other 'rneans works in the tank 64 to force the materialtherefrom under pressure. The tube 35' has an upstanding stem '80 ofnon-circular section slidable througha guide 81 to prevent the tube 35and depositor 36' from turning.

JAspader or deflecting plunger 56 is slidable in the bottom portion ofthe carriage or frame 75 and is operated by an eccentric 57' mounted ona shaft 32 journaled in the carriage or frame 75, and the spader 56',like the implement 56 hereinbefore described, has the shoulders 50 atopposite sides totamp down the concrete. A bevel gear 83 is secured onthe shaft 82 and meshes with a bevel gear 84 that is splinedor-featheredon a transverse shaft 85 journaled at its ends on the frame 30. The gear84 is movable with the carrfage 75 so that the shaft 82 is driven fromthe shaft 85 in the different positions of the carriage 5. The shaft 85is geared, as at 86, to the power shaft 53, a clutch'87 being providedfor making and breaking the connection. Although the several clutches55, 59, 70 and 87 are shown as mounte-** on the shaft 85, they may belocated at other suitable points of the operating gearing.

The carriage 75 may also be moved manually back and forth along therails or guides 51?, or may be moved by power, such as a. sprocket chain.88 extending around the sprocket wheels on the shaft 82 and the axlesof the wheels 76.

When the transverse joint is cut, the frame .30 is maintainedstationary. The carriage 75 is started at one side of the road with thespader 56 in advance of the depositor 36. The spader is operated backand forth the required number of times so as to depress and deflect thestones and other particles out of the path of the depositor, and afterthe spader has moved sumciently away from the corresponding side rail32, the depositor 36' is moved downwardly into the plas-' tic concreteby screwing the screw 42 downward- 13/. The carriage 75 is then movedtransversely across the road so that the material discharged from thedepositor 36' will produce the transverse spader 56 is stopped when itreaches the opposite side rail, and is retracted from orstopped abovethe concrete, to permit the depositor 36' to move close adjacent to therail in finishing the joint; The depositor is then retracted from theconcrete" by raising the screw 42'. The longitudinaljoint may then becontinued so as to break through or intersect the transverse joint, andit is also possible to make the transverse joint; in two parts extendingfrom the side edges to points near but spaced from the longitudinaljoint line. Thus, in passing over the line of the longitudinal joint,the depositor 36' may be retracted from the concrete to pass over thelongitudinal joint line, and may then be again projected into theconcrete, as will be apparent. Any rough portions left in the productionof the transverse joint may be fin= ished off by hand, such as at thepoint where the depositor is withdrawn from the concrete. As the machineadvances, the float 94 will reciprocate over the cleavage or joint tosmooth the surface of the concrete.

' Transverse platforms or running boards 74' are mounted in the frame 30in front and in rear of the line of movement of the transverse jointinstalling means to support the workmen when producing and finishing thejoints. Figs. 9, and 11 illustrate a modification wherein premoldedstrips of limited length are used in lieu of the strip 38 of long lengthas hereinbefore described. The strips 381: may be about ten feet long(more or less), and are inserted downwardly into the chute 35a betweenthe spaced side walls thereof to pass through the depositor 36a into theconcrete. Wire staples 89 or other coupling means are used forconnecting the strips end to end, and, as shown, the sides of the chute3511 have openings so to permit the staples or coupling members 89 to beinserted and applied, this being done manually as the strips arewithdrawn from the chute. The strips 38c may be thick, andyas shown, thedepositor 36c has fiat sides so that the thick strips are not deformed.

The strips 38a, as shown in Fig. 2, may be supported in hook-shapedhangers or brackets 91 with which the frame is provided, so that e.workman on the platforms 74. may conveniently remove the stri s 38a andinsert them in the chute a as needed. This enables premolded orpreformed'strips to be used which are of a thickness or material so asnot to be capable of being rolled up like the strip 33, and said stripsor sections 38a. follow one another into the concretefrom the depositorby being coupled together end to end. a

Fig. 12 shows steel strips 38?) as having their ends formed withsuitable hooks or portions 3% to interlock, a limited number of stripsmay be coupled together by simply inserting them in the chute 35b, to betrailed or drawn longitudinally through the plastic concrete byconnecting the end of the line of joint plates to the chute so that whenthe machine advances the chute 3512 will register in the cleft producedby the spader and the steel joint strips 35b, which maybe approximatelyin length more or less, will be drawn longitudinally through the plasticconcrete while the surfacing float 94 reciprocates transversely over thestrips simultaneously as the machine advances as the strips are drawnlongitudinally through the plastic concrete for a suitable distance,depending on the consistency of the concrete. The joint plates may thenbe disengaged from the chute and left a at rest in the concrete so thatthe machine may advance ahead andcut the groove along the line of thejoint to separate the stones and coarser particles and prepare thedefined longitudinal vein of mortar as previously described, throughwhich to again move the longitudinal train ofjoint plates as described.1

Figs. 13- to 17, inclusive, show joints of different cross sections thatmay be deposited or produced,

sible, as will be apparent. The joint strip or opposite material 38cshown in Fig. 13 is wider at its lower edge than at its upper edge, oris or dovetail cross-section to be securely anchored in the concrete.The strip or material 38d shown in Fig. 14 is of if-shapedcross-section, to divide the concrete and provide a broad trafilc lineat the surface of the concrete. Fig. 15 shows-the strip or material 38cnarrow at its lower edge and increasing in thickness to its upper edgeto provide a wider upper edge portion. Fig. 16 shows the strip ormaterial 381 having grooves in its sides to form tongues on the adjacentedge portions of the slabs, thereby providinga double hinge joint, afterthe concrete breaks below the strip. Fig. 1'! shows the strip ormaterial 389 as being sinuous from its upper to its lower edge. It willbe apparent that the depositors are or cross-sections corresponding tothe shapes of the strips or material deposited in the concrete,'as seenby reference to Figs. 1347. The strips or material may be of variouscolors,

' especially when they are used to provide trafic from under the desiredpressure.

lines on the surface of the concrete as well as forming joints to dividethe concrete. It is thus apparent that strips of solid, plastic or,semiliquid material may be deposited in the plastic concrete, and thematerial may be of different colors and may extend different depths. Itis preferable, however, to leave the strip spaced above the sub-base,allowing for a natural break or fracture between the strip and sub-base.The concrete being plastic will flow together behind the depositoragainst the opposite sides or 'the strip or material deposited in theconcrete.

18 and 19 illustrate a transverse platform or running board 92 mountedon brackets 93 at the rear end of the machine in order to supportworkmen for finishing thejoints by hand in rear of the depositor, thetank 64 being mounted at one side of the float 3'7. l'hese figures alsoshow the use or a finishing belt 94 at the rear of the machine forfinishing the surface of the concrete over the longitudinal andtransverse joints. The float 94 has its terminals wound on spindles 95extending rearwardly from and rotatable within brackets 96 that areadjustable on a transverse shaft 9'? mounted in the brackets 93 in rearof the platform 92. Set screws 98 are used for securing the spindles 95in the brackets 98 and said brackets on the shaft 97, to provide foradjustments. A lever 99 or other operating means is connected to theshaft 97 to enable said shaft to be reciprocated and rocked. Thus, theshaft may be turned to let the belt 94 down on the surface of theconcrete or to raise the belt ed the concrete, and the shaft isreciprocated to reciprocate the belt over the surface of the concretefor finishing the surface, especially over the joints. The machine maythus have trailing finishing means to operate on the surface of theconcrete over the joints formed or deposited in the concrete.

Fig. 20 shows a tank to hold rial, with a hose 65h leading to the float3772. and depositor 36h. An air pump GM is connected to the top of thebarrel to force air into the barrel in order to discharge the materialthere- The pump 66k a barrel or drum 64h. providing may he a hand pump,as shown, or a power pump.

The float 37h has an bar or stopper deb when the plastic (insemidowninto the concrete to the plastic or semi-liquid mate-,

opening 100 to receive a' liquid material is used, to close thedepositor 36k in front of the hose 65h, said stopper 63h being withdrawnwhen the strip passes down the ch'fite 3571. through the depositor inlieu of the plastic or I semi-liquid material. It is understood that ifso desired a joint strip may be passed through the chute simultaneouslywith a plastic material or composition 3671. so that the strip may becoated with a him of suitable material while it is being deposited; thismethod may applyto a strip of premolded material or paper, which is leftpermanently in the concrete. This coating of tar or asphaltic oremulsion--as may be required-will assist in preserving the material andalso seal the crack. It is also to be understood that this same methodmay be used when passing steel plates through the chute, except that oilmay be used for lubricating the plates progressively as the platesgpassthrough the chute. The film of oil will prevent the plate from adheringto the concrete and will facilitate the easy movement of the jointplates through or from the concrete. The opening 100 may be temporarilysealed while using both materials as explained.

Fig. 20 also shows an adjustable mounting for the chute 35h. Thus, theupper terminal of the chute 35h is mounted on a transverse shaft 101disposed in bearings 102 slidable vertically in slotted guides 103carried by brackets 104 supported by the frame, and adjusting screws 105are carried by the guides 103 for adjusting the bearings 102 vertically,to raise and lower the 106 having set screws may be provided on theshaft 101 to maintain the transverse adjustment of the chute 35h.

Fig. 21 illustrates a depositor 3612 having a receptacle 107 to hold afolded strip 38i. Said receptacle is open at the top through the float371' so that the strip may be readily inserted in the receptacle, topass through the rear portion 108 of the depositor which may be ofanysuitable shape so as to deform the strip if desired,

as shown. This type of depositor eliminates theuse of the chute, and theforward end portion 109 of the depositor serves as a shin to separatethe concrete for the passage of the receptacle or widened portion of thedepositor, the concrete flowing together again behind the receptacle 107to close in on the strip in rear of the depositor.

A shank 352' extends forwardly and upwardly from the forward end of thefloat 372' and has an eye or bearing 110 to connect the device with themachine. A spader 561' slides vertically through the shank 35ito work upand down in the concrete in advance of the depositor so as to depressand deflect stones and other particles out of the path of the depositor.flanges or lugs 111 to strike the shank 35a. and vibrate the depositorvertically similar to the action of the reciprocating rod 47hereinbefore described.

The receptacle 107 is elongated longitudinally, and the strip 381' isfolded together in zig-zag manner. With a thin strip the receptacle 107may not be as wide as shown, the illustration being exaggerated forpurpose or clearness.

Fig. 22 shows a modification oi the device shown in Fig. 21 in that thereceptacle 107' of the depositor is circular or cylindrical, with thestrip The spader 562' has r 1,946,972 381i rolled up and deposited insaid receptacle, so

ducing transverse or longitudinal joints.

the rear open end of said depositor.

Fig. 23 shows a depositor 36k having in one or both of its sides thevertical slots or openings 112 through which the plastic or semi-liquidmay be discharged at one or both sides of the depositor. Said slots oropenings are below the float 37k which has the opening 62k for thedelivery of the material downwardly into the depositor. The depositorand float are carried by a. beam 35k. In providing a plurality ofdischarge slots or openings 112 the material may flow from one or. moreof them even though some of the slots may be'clogged by the concrete.

Fig. 24 shows a depositor 361$ of short length below the rear end of thefloat or trowel 3%, said float and depositor being secured below a beamor shank 3525. The beam 35t and float have the opening 62t to receivethe material from the hose 65t to pass into the depositor and throughThe spader 562? reciprocates vertically through the beam 35f and floatin front of the depositor, and is connected by a pitman or link 113 witha crank disk 57t to reciprocate said spader.

Figs. 25 and 26 illustrate diiTerent means for obtaining pressure todischarge the plastic or semiliquid material. As shown in Fig. 25 a pumpcylinder 11 is connected, as at 115, with the top of the barrel or tank64m containing the material, and the piston 116 working in said cylinderhas an u standing stem 117 on which is secured a receptacle or pan 118for holding sand, gravel or other material to impose the desired weighton the piston 116. In this matter, the piston 116 is depressed under thedesired weight, so as to obtain the desired pressure on the material inthe tank or barrel 64121.. As shown in Fig. 26 the cylinder 11% ismounted on the barrel or tank 6 m, with a connection 115 between thelower end of the cylinder and the top of the tank. The upstanding stem117' of the piston 116' has ratchet teeth 119 for the engagement of apawl 120 carried by a lever 121 fulcrumed to a post 122 rising from. thecylinder, and a weight 123 is adjustable on the lever 121 to supply thenecessary power for depressing the piston 1l6'-, it being noted thatsaid weight may be adjusted to regulate the pressure on the material inthe tank or barrel 6411.. After the lever 121 has swung downwardly belowa horizontal position it may be raised again to engage the pawl 120 withratchet teeth higher up,

and the weight may be raised several times during the movement of thepiston 116" from its uppermost to its lowermost position. In both of thedevices shown in Figs. 25 and 26 pistons may be raised again after beingmoved to their lowermost positions, so as to repeat the operations.Also, in both devices the pressure of the material may be regulated bythe amount of weight used on the, pistons.

It is understood that the joint cutting and installing implement inFigure 21 may be operated manually in the plastic concrete without beingattached to a traveling bridge. Itwill be apparent that after the stoneand coarse aggregate have been separated along a predetermined line ofjoint, this implement may. be moved through the vein of mortar toproduce adeformed separation or install a joint strip .or if desired aliquid material maybe used. It is understood that when this implement isinoved through the concrete by hand, a suitable handle could beprovided, and further that when operated manually, the use of thespading implement 56L is dispensed with.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:- I

1. A machine for producing a joint or trafilc line in concretecomprising a carriage movable over the concrete, adepositor carried bythe carriage and movable longitudinally in the concrete to form a groovetherein and having provision for the discharge of material therefrominto said groove, and means carried by the carriage to Work in theconcrete in advance of the depositor for deflecting stones and solidparticles out of the path of the depositor.

2. A machine for producing a joint or tramc line in concrete comprisinga carriage movable over .the concrete, a'depositor carried by thecarriage and movable longitudinally in the concrete and having provisionfor the discharge of material therefrom into the concrete, and avertically reciprocatory spader carried by the machine to workvertically in the concrete in advance of the depositor for depressingand deflecting to opposite sides stones and other solid particles fromthe path of the depositor.

3. A machine for producing a joint or traffic line in concretecomprising a carriage movable over the concrete, a depositor carriedbythe carriage and movable longitudinally in the concrete, said depositorhaving provision-for the discharge of material therefrom into theconcrete, and means for vibrating said depositor.

e. A. machine for producing a joint or trahlc .line in concretecomprising a carriage movable over the concrete, a float carried by thecarriage and movable longitudinally. on the concrete, at depositor underthe float to move longitudinally in the concrete and having provisionfor the discharge or material therefrom, means mounted on the carriagefor delivering material into the de- 1 positor, and means carried by thecarriage for vibrating said float and depositor.

5. A machine for producing a joint or trails line in'concrete comprisinga carriage movable ice overthe concrete, a float carried by the carriageand movable longitudinally on the concrete, depositor under the float tomove longitudinally in the concrete and having provision forthe-discharge of material therefrom, means mounted on the carriage fordelivering material into the ale-- positor, and means mounted on thecarriage for producing impacts downwardly on said fioatand depositorprogressively as the float and the depositor move longitudinally throughthe plastic concrete.

6. A machine for producing a joint or trafiic line in concretecomprising a carriage movable over the concrete, a rea'rwardly anddownwardly extending member having its forward end pivotally connectedwith the carriage and having a float at its rear end to move on the con-7. A machine for producing a joint or tramc line in concrete comprisinga carriage movable extending member having its forward end piv-.

otally connected with the carriage and having a float at its rear endtomove on the concrete and a depending depositor below the float to movein the concrete, saiddepositor having provision for the discharge ofmaterial into the concrete, means mounted on the carriage for supplyingmaterial into the depositor, and means for vibrating the rear portion ofsaid member.

8. A machine for producing a joint or trafiic line in concretecomprising a carriage movable over the concrete, 9. rearwardly anddownwardly extending member having itsforward end pivotally connectedwith the carriage and having a float at its rear end to move on theconcrete and a depending depositor below the float to move in theconcrete, said depositor having provision for the discharge of materialinto the concrete, means mounted on the carriage for supplying materialinto the depositor, means for raising and loweringthe rear portion ofsaid member,

and means for vibrating the rear portion of said member when the floatis on the concrete.

9. A joint installing machine comprising a depositing blade having alongitudinal passage for the movement of a joint strip therethrough,

the rear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plasticconcrete and said blade being inclined in front of said rear end portionto be disposed above the concrete.

10. A joint installing machine comprising a depositing blade having alongitudinal passage for the movement of a joint strip therethrough, therear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plastic concreteand said blade being inclined in front of said rear end-portion to bedisposed above the concrete, the portion of the blade in front of saidrear end portion being open at the top to receive joint strips.

11. A joint installing machine comprising a depositing blade having alongitudinal passage "for the movement of a joint strip therethrough,the rear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plasticconcrete and said blade being inclined in front of said rear end portionto be disposed above theconcrete, and a member for finishing the surfaceof the concrete disposed above said rear end portion ofthe blade. j 12.A joint installing machine comprising a depositing blade having alongitudinal passage for the movement of a joint strip therethrough, therear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plastic concreteand said blade being inclined in front of said rear end portion to bedisposed above the concrete, and a float secured on said rear endportion of the blade.

13. A joint installing machine comprising a depositingblade having alongitudinal passage for the movement of a joint strip therethrough, therear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plastic concreteand said blade being inclined in front of said rear end portion to bedisposed above the concrete, and a float secured on said rear endportion of the blade, said blade being opened at the top in front ofsaid. float.

14. A joint installing machine comprising a float movable on plasticconcrete to smooth same down, a depositor depending from said float tomove in the plastic concrete for opening a groove therein, and means forsupplying material through said depositorto move into and fill saidroove. a i

15. A joint installing device comprising a blade movable in plasticconcrete and having a passage reaaere for a joint strip, and a rollermounted over said blade to depress said strip and roll the concrete atopposite sides thereof.

16. A joint installing device comprising a blade movable in plasticconcrete, and a roller movable with the blade and arranged fordepressing the concrete adjacent to the blade.

17. A joint installing device comprising means for depositing a stripinplastic concrete, and a roller arranged for depressing said strip.

18. A joint installing device comprising means for depositing a strip inplastic concrete, and a roller arranged for depressing said strip anddepressing the concrete at opposite sides of said strip.

19; A joint installing device comprising a blade movable in plasticconcrete, and a vibratory roller mounted over said blade for depressingthe concrete.

20. A joint installing device comprising a roller for depressing plasticconcrete, and means for directing a joint strip into the plasticconcrete under said roller.

21. A joint installing device comprising a roller for depressing plasticconcrete, and a joint forming blade disposed under said roller.

22. A joint installing device comprising a blade I for deflecting stonesand coarser aggregate from g the path of the blade.

24. A road joint installer comprising a frame movable over plasticconcrete, and an inclined joint installing member whose lower end isdisposed rearmost and adapted to move in the concrete, the forward endof said member being hingedly connected with the frame, and meansbetween the frame and said member for raising and lowering the rear endof said member.

25. A road joint installer comprising a frame movable over plasticconcrete, an inclined joint installing member whose lower end isdisposed rearmost and adapted to move in the concrete, and meanssupporting said member from the frame for hingedly connecting theforward end of said member with the frame and for raising and loweringsaid member.

26. road joint installer comprising a joint installing member movable inplastic concrete and adapted to guide joint strip longitudinally thereofand to move longitudinallyfrom the strip, and a roller carried by saidmember to move on the upper edge of the strip.

27. A road joint installer comprising an inclined joint installingmember whose lower end is disposed rearmost and adapted to move inplastic concrete, said member being adapted to guide a joint striplongitudinally thereof to pass from the rear end of said member, and aroller mounted at the rear end thereof to move on the upper edge of saidstrip.

28 A road joint installer comprising an inclined installing member whoselower end por-. tion is disposed rearmost and adapted to move in plasticconcrete, and a float amxed to and movable with the-rear end portion ofsaid member.

'29. A road joint installer comprising a joint installing member havinga slot open at the top for the downward deposit of a joint strip intothe slot, and a when to engage the upper edge of said strip in said slotand depress the strip into plastic concrete.

30.-A road joint installer comprising a joint installing member having aslot open at the top for the downward deposit of a joint strip, saidmember being adapted to be moved longitudinally of itself from thestrip.

31. A road joint installer comprising a joint installing member movablein plastic concrete and having a longitudinal passage for a flexiblejoint strip, the rearend of said member being deformed to bend the stripinto deformed crosssection.

32. A road joint installer comprising a member movable longitudinallyalong and from a flexible strip in plastic concrete and formed to bendthe strip into deformed cross-section.

33. The method of installing a joint in unset concrete consisting indepositing a flexible strip in the concrete and moving deforming meanslongitudinally of the strip to bend same into deformed cross-section.

34. The method of installing a joint in plastic concrete consisting inmoving a joint installing member in the concrete and delivering aflexible strip to move along and from said member to be deposited intheconcrete, and bending the strip where it emerges from said member togive the strip a deformed cross-section.

35. The method of installing a joint in unset concrete consisting indelivering joint material into the plastic concrete along the line of ajoint from a longitudinally moved member and deforming such materialwhere it emerges from said member.

36. The method of installing a joint in unset concrete consisting incleaving the concrete, positioning a joint installing member along thecleavage, depositing a joint strip downwardly in association with saidmember to be guided thereby into the cleavage, and moving said memberlongitudinally from the strip.

37. The method of installing a joint in unset concrete consisting inmoving a joint installing member longitudinally in the concrete alongthe line of a joint, depositing joint strips in succession in saidmember to be delivered thereby into the concrete, and connecting saidstrips as they are deposited in said member.

38.'A joint installing device comprising a joint aligning member havingspaced side walls and an open top portion, and joint strips receivedthrough/the open top portion between said side 'wallsand having meansfor locking the ends of the joint strips together to form a continuousline of strips to be deposited in the plastic concrete.

39. A road building machine comprising a wheeled carriage operating onside forms and spanning a road under construction, a joint stripinstalling element carried by said carriage to support, align anddeposit joint strips in the plastic concrete, and a surfacer mounted fortransverse. reciprocation on said carriage. rearwardly of said jointstrip installing element whereby to surface over the concrete andinstalled joint strips progressively as the machine moves over theroadway and as the joint strips emerge from the joint strip installingelement.

40. A road building machine comprising a carriage, means for moving saidcarriage over a concrete roadway under construction, and an implementsupported by and moved with said carriage and having a wide horizontaltubular top portion for forming a channel in the surface of the concreteand for receiving traffic line material to be moved through said tubulartop portion and deposited thereby into the channel, said implement alsohaving a depending tubular blade underlying the said top portion forforming. a joint groove in the concrete below the channel and forreceiving joint material to be moved through the blade and depositedthereby into the joint groove.

41. A road joint installer comprising a float, and a blade adapted to bereciprocated through said float to separate the concrete below saidfloat.

42. A road joint installer comprising a float to move over plasticconcrete, a depositor depending from the float for depositing materialin the concrete in rear of the depositor, and; means to separate theconcrete working below said float in front of the depositor.

43. A road joint installer comprising a float to move on plasticconcrete, a depositor depending from said float to deposit jointmaterial in the concrete in rear of the depositor, and a blade Workingthrough the float in front of said depositor for separating theconcrete.

44. A road joint installer comprisinga float to move over plasticconcrete, and means below the float to separate the concrete and movablerelatively to the ,float while the float is moving overthe concrete.

45. A road joint installer comprising a float to move over plasticconcrete, and a blade below the float to separate the concrete andmovable relatively to the float while the float is mov ingover theconcrete.

46. A road joint installer comprising a plate to move,closely' overplastic concrete, said plate having a slot therein, a blade disposedmovably through said slot to separate the concrete below the plate, andmeans for operating said blade through the slot during the movement ofthe plate 115- over the concrete.

4'7. The method of producing a separation of plastic concretelongitudinally of a roadway under construction, which consists in movinga flat slotted member longitudinally of itself over the 32 roadway andworking a cleaving implement through the slot to separate the concreteunder the member.

48. The method of cleaving plasticconcrete of a road under construction,which consists in 13 moving a slotted member longitudinally over theroadway, and cleaving the plastic concrete under the slotted member bymanipulating a cleaving implement through the slot to work in theconcrete.

49. The method of cleaving plastic concrete of a road underconstruction, which consists in moving a slotted member over theplasticmaterial, and moving a cleaving implement through the slot tocleave the concrete below the plate.

50. A joint cutting apparatus comprising a slotted member movablelongitudinally of itself over a roadway under construction, a cleavingimplement supported over the member and operating in the plasticconcrete through the slot 144; to separate the stones along the line ofthe joint, a blade underneath said member and following the cleavagerearwardly of the cleaving implement to open the cleavage and installingjoint material rearwardly of the blade.

51. A joint cutting apparatus comprising a slotted member movablelongitudinally of itself over plastic concrete, a cleaving implementsupported over the member and projecting through the slot and into theplastic material to separate Gil cleaving implement associated with thefloat to cleave the concrete forwardly of the blade;

53. A 'joint producing apparatus comprising a floating member to moveclosely over plastic concrete of a. road under construction, animplement to cleave theplastic material under the float member, andmeans for reciprocating the implement.

JOHN N.

